Main Lodge

The Main Lodge complex

Lounge and living area

The chalets are separate from the main lodge building and tucked away privately in the surrounding forested environment. The main lodge complex includes a reception, a lounge with a stunning view of the lake as well as a dining room, bar lounge and a sweeping terrace that offers wonderful views of lake St Lucia and the river floodplain. The view is quite special and reminiscent of an ‘Out of Africa’ view across the grassy plain’s only with a lake as a backdrop. Meals are most often taken outside on the terrace where every night the staff light a fire ( in winter ) and guests can share a few stories of their day.

The courtyard and terrace

Courtyard sounds ever so formal but its everything but that. The courtyard is what we call the grassed lawn environment which is situated at the heart of the main lodge and surrounded by of the living spaces namely the dining room, bar and lounge. At the main lodge you are never far from anything be it coffee, piping hot tea or an ice cold beer. The reception is just there if you need anything and the lounge is a layed back space, feel free to put your feet up on the couch and nod off.

Dining room

Well we prefer to eat outside on the terrace but the the local ‘Monkey Gang’ keep us inside especially at breakfast time. Vervet monkeys are extremely fond of fruit and our breakfast muffins so we set up breakfast in the dining room. If however you are an ‘outsider’ like us feel free to help yourself to cereals and fruit and take a table out on the terrace. Our waitresses will gladly set you up with all the necessary cutlery and serve your choice of carefully prepared eggs and bacon out in the fresh air. Summers are hot and a breakfast in the air-conitioned dining room is quite pleasant.

The Poachers Paddle bar

The bar is always a hive of activity in the evenings. Just off one side of the terrace is the well stocked pub with an extensive wine list, cold malts and a range of spirits to choose from. Whilst we prefer to keep a peaceful and quiet atmosphere around the lodge there is a television in the pub especially for those all important sports events that simply can’t be missed! Its a great place to pull up a bar stool and enjoy a few drinks before dinner or if you prefer to take in the beautiful view from the terrace, there are plenty of tables and comfy chairs to be found.

Reception

Our reception desk is manned from 6.00 am in the morning till approximately 9.00 pm every day and our friendly staff are available to assist with any information and activity bookings you might need. Our staff will greet you on arrival, assist you with any luggage from your car and arrange porterage to your chalet on arrival and departure. Check in time is from 2.00 pm and check out is by 10.30 on day of departure. The lodge has a security guard on duty from 6.00 pm to 6.00 am just to ensure general security of the lodge area, guests, staff and facilities.

Chill time

That’s it right there! We call it chilling and it’s what you should be doing on holiday. Its all very well to be bumping around on Safari, sightseeing on boats and all variety of motorised craft but chilling is what Hluhluwe River Lodge is all about. Our conservancy encompasses 80 hectares of beautiful sand forest with a walking trail that will soothe your soul and remind you that walking is still the best way to connect with nature. Relax on the deck of your chalet or come up to the main lodge, tap into the free WiFi and chill.

Swimming Pool

The pool is set away from the Main lodge and chalets for the sake of privacy. Tucked away in a shaded part of the forested garden there are sun loungers and umbrellas for guests to enjoy the sun or just lie in the shade and enjoy the tranquility if you prefer.

Self Catering House

Mkhulu’s House is a fully eqipped home from home with its own swimming pool and private location away from the main lodge and lodge chalets. Ideal for families or two couples looking for privacy and the option to self cater. Meals can be booked at the lodge which is a two minute walk away along a bush pathway. For more photos and information see the Self Catering Tab on the menu at the top of the page.